[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 5799-5800]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   U.S. AND COALITION EFFORTS IN IRAQ

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, with enormous enthusiasm and pride I rise 
today to commend President Bush and his national security team for the 
continually strong leadership they are providing in the ongoing global 
war on terrorism, and particularly as they assist the Iraqi people in 
their imminent transition to sovereignty.
  Almost 1 year ago, a coalition of nations, led by the U.S. Armed 
Forces, and, indeed, those from Great Britain, liberated the Iraqi 
people from decades of repressive, tyrannical rule at the hands of 
Saddam Hussein. That day, April 9, will long be celebrated in the 
history of Iraq.
  Our President did the right thing--he did the right thing--in 
gathering a coalition of nations to rid Iraq of a leader who had used 
weapons of mass destruction against his own people, who had a regime of 
over 30 years of tyrannical oppression, murdered indiscriminately. This 
individual simply had to be brought to the terms of accountability, 
accountability to his own people. That orderly process is now under 
way. He defied international law for over 12 years. Clearly America and 
the world are safer today, and Iraq is a better place with a hopeful 
future as a result.
  Tragically, the effort to make America and the world safer and to 
defend freedom around the world is not without an enormous cost to this 
Nation in terms primarily of lost lives and those who bear the scars 
and the wounds of war, and their families who must bear these losses. 
They have our deepest compassion. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to 
the families of the loved ones of those who have died and those who 
bear the wounds of combat. We are fortunate as a Nation to have 
dedicated citizens who willingly volunteer to make such great 
sacrifices to defend this Nation's liberty.
  Just weeks ago, together with the distinguished Senator from Alaska 
and the distinguished Senator from South Carolina, I went to Iraq and 
Afghanistan and again looked into the faces of those brave young men 
and women and thanked them on behalf of the people of this Nation.
  In just 3 months--91 days to be exact--the sovereignty that has been 
held in trust by the Coalition Provisional Authority since Iraq was 
liberated on April 9, 2003, will be returned to the Iraqi people. This 
will represent an important milestone on Iraq's path to freedom and 
democracy, but it is a path fraught with continuing dangers.
  The recently adopted ``Transitional Administrative Law'' states that 
``the work of the [Iraq] Governing Council shall come to an end'' upon 
the assumption of sovereignty by an Iraqi Interim Government on June 
30, 2004. The TAL further states that this Iraqi Interim Government 
``shall be constituted in accordance with a process of extensive 
deliberations and consultations with cross-sections of the Iraqi people 
conducted by the Governing Council and the Coalition Provisional 
Authority and possibly in consultation with the United Nations.''
  Yesterday, the Armed Services Committee, which I am privileged to 
chair, received testimony from several Department of Defense officials 
regarding on-going military operations and activities in Iraq, and 
preparations for this transition to sovereignty. While some concerns 
about details of the transition remain, I was greatly encouraged by the 
testimony the Committee received. A coordinated process of deliberation 
and consultation with the Iraqi people is underway by the Coalition 
Provisional Authority, the Iraqi Governing Council, and representatives 
of the United Nations to define and select an Iraqi Interim Government.
  Much remains to be done in this process, but it is a process that 
must not be delayed. The moment has arrived for the coalition to move 
from occupying power to partner. The moment has arrived for the Iraqi 
people to assume responsibility for their destiny.
  The path to full freedom and democracy in Iraq will not be without 
difficulty and missteps. That is to be expected, but we must not be 
afraid to continue that journey. Symbolically, much will change on June 
30. Iraq, after 30 plus years of isolation, will rejoin the community 
of nations and resume responsibility for its actions and relations with 
other nations. In terms of the reconstruction and security efforts 
initiated by the Coalition Provisional Authority and coalition forces, 
little will change on July 1. Ongoing training of Iraqi Security 
Forces, assistance in restoring security, revitalization of essential 
infrastructure, and institutionalization of democratic processes will 
continue.
  Two weeks ago, I traveled to Iraq, together with Senator Stevens and 
Senator Hollings. I was impressed by the progress that has been made 
since I last visited that nation in July. The challenges ahead are 
daunting, but the spirit of our men and women in uniform, and that of 
the Iraqi people, was reassuring and inspiring.
  While the progress made in Iraq is substantial, it must be viewed in 
the context of the entire Middle East. Iraq can serve as an example and 
a beacon of hope, but much more complex issues must be addressed.
  During my recent trip to the region for consultation with both U.S. 
and foreign leaders, there was a consistent expression of concern about 
the continuing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The lack 
of progress toward a peaceful resolution continues to fan the flames of 
discontent across the entire region. The continuing violence breeds 
more violence that will undermine positive developments anywhere else 
in the region. We must redouble our efforts to find common ground on 
this difficult issue, if we are ever to achieve a peaceful world and 
triumph over terror and violence.
  There are more challenges ahead, and there will be disappointments. 
That is clear. It is equally clear that President Bush and his national 
security team are up to the challenge. President Bush has provided 
steady, strong leadership in troubled times and will lead us to a 
safer, more secure future.
  I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Mississippi.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, how much time remains?
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Six minutes 40 seconds.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask Senator Allard if I could proceed for 
3 minutes and then he could finish the balance of the time.

[[Page 5800]]


  Mr. ALLARD. That would be fine.
  Mr. LOTT. I ask unanimous consent that that be so.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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